Getting up early and living in solitude are happy companions for me. In Florence I am most deeply content walking about in the early morning, stopping of course for a cappuccino along the way. And yet, life out on the streets at that time isn’t silent or simple for the folks getting ready for another day of tourists. For this solitary traveler, however, the activity fulfills my longing to be alone in the presence of others, my desire to participate in the energy of those with whom I’m living, and my believe that as a silent observer I can add to the good in the world. Here are pairs of photos I took—one before 8AM, one after 2PM.